U19 Soccer 26th Oct 2015 Senior Leinster Cup v Kilkenny CBS 5-6

Borris were desperately unlucky to loose this cracker of a match in the dying minutes of the second half. After being 3-1 down at half time, Borris responded in the first 15 minutes of the second period to go 5-3 up. They could not sustain the intensity however and the current Leinster champions CBS picked off 3 more goals to progress to the next round.

The match began in cold and windy conditions in the Watershed. With 5 starting players missing, Borris could have wished for a better time to play this game. CBS started brightly and took an early lead. There was a danger Borris could concede more goals if they didn't adjust to the pace of the game quickly. They got going eventually and steadied the ship with the battle for midfield possession now being won by the visitors. CBS scored again though, a defensive error providing maximum benefit for the Kilkenny outfit. Borris were under pressure.

Chris Nolan pulled a goal back for Borris to make it 2-1 and they were dominating possession again. Just before half time CBS struck what could have been a hammer blow. A slick counter attacking move down the left resulted in a decent ball into the box and a scuffed finish by their centre forward. 3-1 at half time and Borris had it all to do.

After a few harsh words and a rousing half time team talk, Borris came out with super intensity in the second half. Excellent play by Kevin McDonald and Anthony Nolan in midfield provided a platform for numerous chances. With the whole team highly focused, Borris scored an incredible 4 goals in 15 minutes of football. CBS didn't know what hit them and started arguing with each other. The match was far from over though and, after expending a huge amount of energy to take the lead, the Borris lads were out on their feet. With only one experienced substitute to call upon Borris were conceding more and more chances to their illustrious opponents.

The pressure finally converted to goals for CBS with 2 coming in the 75th and 79th minute. 5-5 was the scoreline - ten minutes to play. CBS have vast experience at this level and it was most likely the difference between the teams in the end. Borris, out of tiredness, dropped back too deep, inviting CBS onto them. This was always a risky tactic and 9 times out of 10 results in conceding a goal. Sure enough the CBS winner came in the 87th minute, it was a very soft goal too. A long ball from midfield wasn't properly cleared and with the Borris defence scrambling, an unmarked CBS player slotted the ball in from close range.

This seemed to give one last lift to Borris and they threw everything at their opponents for the remaining time. 3 corners resulted in decent chances (and one super chance for U17 captain Tony Lawlor) but it wasn't to be. 6-5 to CBS at full time.

Borris need to learn from matches like this. Besides from the missing players they should still have won this game. They are not a team set up to hold a deep defensive line and playing this way generally results in defeat. When Borris bring intensity, determination and pace they are capable of playing Leinster champions off the park. Moving forward in the league is top priority now for the school's flagship team. Nothing other than winning a Leinster title will fulfil this team's potential.